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Pangasinan Joins 3rd North Luzon Travel Expo

SAN JUAN, La Union—The Province of Pangasinan, represented by its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and coastal cities and towns, joined the 3rd North Luzon Travel Expo held at Waves Point last November 21-23, 2024.

Officially launched last 2022 in Clark, Pampanga, the North Luzon Travel Expo is a project spearheaded by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Hon. Christina Garcia Frasco to revitalize and boost domestic tourism particularly in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon. Exhibitors from the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and parts of Visayas and Mindanao also joined the event.

With this year’s NLTEx theme anchored on sustainable tourism, Hon. Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David of the Province of La Union duly emphasized in her speech: “Our natural resources are not merely assets. They are the very foundation of our identity and our future… Sustainable tourism practices are not just a trend… They are a necessity.”

DOT Undersecretary Shalimar Tamano represented Secretary Frasco at the event, extending the Tourism Secretary’s gratitude to the organizers and stakeholders present and likewise echoing her support particularly for biodiversity conservation. “This event, the North Luzon Travel Expo, is a testament to the DOT’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism development across the region… This year’s edition hosted here in San Juan, La Union not only focuses on revitalizing the tourism industry, but underscores our commitment to biodiversity conservation. Initiatives such as tree planting and pawikan conservation activities remind us that tourism is not only about promoting destinations, but also about protecting the natural and cultural treasures that make these places unique.”

The three-day travel expo was participated by local tourism officers and staff from Pangasinan’s coastal cities and towns, particularly: Agno, Alaminos City, Burgos, Infanta, and Sual.

/MCDG-U

Photos: KSS & MRTE

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PTCAO Discusses Tourism Plans With LGU San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS, Pangasinan—Boasting breathtaking views of the mountains and a majestic sunset, Malico is poised to become one of the premier tourist destinations in Pangasinan. Located in the town of San Nicolas along the eastern flank of the province and dubbed the “Summer Capital of Pangasinan,” it offers a serene escape perfect for nature and adventure-lovers alike. The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) conducted a site visit to this up-and-coming tourist destination giving particular attention in assessing the readiness of the various Tourism Related Enterprises (TREs) to the influx of tourists and to experience firsthand what Malico has to offer.

The site visit also provided an opportunity to check the completion of the Villa Verde Trail road, which has made access to Malico easier. This development is expected to boost tourism in the area and attract more visitors looking for a unique experience in Pangasinan and investors looking for more economic opportunities.

During the visit, PTCAO was also able to observe its vast natural and cultural heritage, such as the abundance of Pine Trees, Tiger Grass/Bush, and the opportunities for “A”-frame house design using indigenous materials. The potential for eco-tourism and sustainable development in Malico is evident, with its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.

Various camping sites, cafes, and restaurants have been established in and around Malico, allowing tourists to experience the cool breeze at the highest point in Pangasinan while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Additionally, the presence of a tourist assistance center offers visitors information on activities, accommodations, and local attractions to enhance their overall experience in Malico. This development demonstrates the local government’s commitment to promoting tourism and asserting Pangasinan’s role in the territorial dispute over Malico. In fact, Governor Ramon V. Guico III has identified this area as one of Pangasinan’s tourism hubs, alongside Alaminos City, Manaoag, Bolinao, and Lingayen.

PTCAO also spoke with various barangay officials inquiring about their current situation, especially concerning the ongoing territorial dispute, but more relevantly to explore potential collaboration and future projects.

On May 23, 2024, the Local Government Unit of San Nicolas, led by Mayor Alicia Primicias-Enriquez, invited PTCAO to a meeting to discuss potential partnerships and initiatives. This meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange observations noted by PTCAO during their visit to Malico, where various establishments had declared themselves part of a neighboring province rather than Pangasinan. The meeting concluded with plans to address this issue and strengthen the connection between PTCAO and LGU San Nicolas.

With its picturesque landscapes, cool climate, and various outdoor activities, Malico is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists seeking a different kind of adventure—a true “strawberry on top” of any travel itinerary.

/MTRC

Photos: LGU San Nicolas

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PTCAO Launches ArtVille by the Gulf

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—In celebration of the 2024 Pista’y Dayat, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), launched the “ArtVille by the Gulf” as part of the Pangasinan Art and Music Festival last April 27, 2024 at the ArtVille (in front of the Anea Café area), Capitol Beachfront, Lingayen, Pangasinan.

During the opening program, Ms. Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, Department Head of PTCAO, laid down the various programs and activities for arts and culture already accomplished by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan under the administration of Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III, some of which are the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum and the recently opened ArtVille by the Gulf. It was followed by the formal opening of ArtVille through a ceremonial painting of a white canvas by Ms. Elduayan together with Ms. Ma. Cynthia Encarnita F. Vila (Provincial Librarian), and the judges for the Langkap: Art Installation.

The ArtVille features a “book nook” by the Pangasinan Provincial Library that offers free and interactive book reading and paper coloring, and arts and crafts made of recycled materials courtesy of the Solid Waste Management under the General Services Office. Other booths feature local artisans, creatives, and young emerging entrepreneurs that showcase and sell their crafts and products, which includes La Union Abel and Crafts, Anik-Anik, Heart Basket, Sikap Arts and Crafts x Gantsilyo Pasilyo, Pangasinan State University, and Zion’s Arts and Crafts.

The ArtVille is also a celebration of arts through a series of live demonstration and interactive activities, including a live demonstration of authentic buri weaving of Bolinao after the opening program. More activities will be conducted in the following days, including crochet weaving, bamboo weaving, creative recycling, pottery making, poetry reading, and handcraft making.

The ArtVille will run until May 4, 2024.

/JDV

Photos: JOT

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Ponsia – Pista’y Dayat Culinary Challenge Returns for Filipino Food Month 2024

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—In celebration of Filipino Food Month this 2024, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), staged the second Ponsia – Pista’y Dayat Culinary Challenge last April 13, 2024 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II.

Board Member Marinor De Guzman from the Fourth District represented Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III at the event, expressing collective gratitude for all of the participants and guests at present. “This contest serves as a beacon of innovation and creativity, inviting chefs and culinary enthusiasts to showcase their talent and passion for our local cuisine. As we celebrate Filipino Food Month this April, let us not only indulge in the flavors that unite us as Pangasinenses, but also pay homage to the culinary artisans who keep our traditions alive… May this contest serve as a testament to the richness of our culture and the boundless possibilities of our culinary landscape,” Board Member De Guzman said in her message, likewise underscoring the significance and excitement drawn from the participation of national and local media, influencers, and vloggers from the 2024 NLEX Lakbay Norte as they, too, later joined to watch the cook-off.

Meanwhile, Chief Tourism Operations Officer Gay Gapas from the Department of Tourism Region 1 (DOT-R1), who represented Regional Director Francisco Joseph “Jeff” Ortega, shared the importance of Ponsia as its creation coincided with that of Maykan last year. Maykan, a term that originates from the Ilocano word umay (invitation) and the Ilocano and Pangasinan term makan (food), is a tourism circuit established by the DOT-R1 that centers on discovering and promoting the many and diverse culinary offerings of the region.

The culinary challenge saw six (6) teams consisting of a chef and sous-chef prepare a three course meal: a seafood-based appetizer or soup, a meat-based main dish, and a tropical-themed dessert made of Pangasinan fruits, sweets, and dairy products. GMA celebrity chef JR Royol also joined the event where he treated everyone to a cooking demo and up-close interviews with the participants. After an intense one hour and thirty-minute cook-off and with the discerning expertise of judges Chef Raymond Martin Reyes (Lu Asian Cuisine), Chef Christian Yakie Takanashi (Shiok, A Taste of Singapore), and Chef Karina Mantes (Sweet Sense), the team of Chef Rizal Viray and Sous-chef Jomar de Guzman from Abong ni Tio Berto of Hiraya Wellness Resort and Ecopark in Aguilar emerged victorious, with Chef Ryan Cortez and Sous-chef Johara Dytianquin from Jem’s Cuisine in San Carlos City coming in second place, and Chef Jesus Viliran and Sous-chef Jetlie Garcia of D’Brinks Resto Cafe in Binalonan in third place. Other talented and passionate Pangasinan chefs who took part in the cook-off were Chef Daryll Magalong and Sous-chef Allan Datuin (KapeLuna Restaurant, Bayambang), Chef Victor Luis Tandoc and Sous-chef David Emmanuel Pascua (Cajun Republique Restaurant, Binmaley), and Chef Gerald Quinit and Sous-chef Jane Carla Payopay (Quinit Eco Integrated Farm, Calasiao).

This year’s Ponsia – Pista’y Dayat Culinary Challenge was made possible through partnerships with GMA Regional TV, Señor Tesoro College School of Culinary Arts, and Solane LPG.

/MCDG-U

Photos: KFC & RSR

 

 

 

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Pangasinan Celebrates Pista’y Dayat 2024

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan officially started the 2024 Pista’y Dayat festivities with the formal opening of the Pangasinan Agri-Tourism and Trade Expo at the Capitol Plaza last April 12, 2024.

Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the MSMEs and LGUs who participated in the expo, as well as the offices and other institutions that planned, supported, and made this year’s expo possible. Governor Guico likewise shared his ambition for the province as a must-visit tourism destination and center for massive events that will cater even international visitors.

While this year’s Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo is located at the Capitol Plaza, visitors from all around are treated to a new view and environment, with the historical Capitol Building prominently in the background of the festivities.

/MCDG-U

Photos: KFC & RSR

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DOT Brings Philippine Experience Program to Pangasinan

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office and the DOT Region 1 Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, LGU Lingayen, and LGU Bayambang, brought the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) in the province last March 20-21, 2024. PEP is the DOT’s flagship project led by Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco which aims to promote tourism products focused on the country’s Filipino essence and identity.

DOT Secretary Frasco, along with other DOT officials, arrived in the capital town of Lingayen and first set foot at the historical Capitol Building where they were greeted by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and provincial government officials.

Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Hon. Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, and Mr. Francis Lord Salosagcul (representative of Hon. Mayor Mary Clare Judith Phyllis J. Quiambao), joined the delegation at the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum where they were given a complete tour around its eleven galleries.

“I am in full appreciation of the journey that Pangasinan has taken, that has left an imprint in history… Under the leadership of your visionary governor, Pangasinan’s direction is forward, always forward, and we’re here to manifest our full support for your plans for your province,” Secretary Frasco said in a speech at the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum. She likewise extended her personal gratitude to Governor Guico’s father, Hon. Congressman Ramon N. Guico Jr., who made it possible for the DOT head to be confirmed in the Commission of Appointments.

Secretary Frasco expressed her excitement in returning to inaugurate a tourist rest area set to be established in the province possibly later in the year.

Meanwhile, the second day of the PEP tour began with a festive and lively performance by Lingayen’s Bagoong Festival Street Dancers as they welcomed diplomatic corps, regional directors, travel and tour operators, media and influencers, cultural workers, and tourism officers of various LGUs at the Capitol Plaza. At the Sison Auditorium, they were also treated to demos featuring buri weaving and buri bag painting by weavers from Santiago Island, Bolinao, as well as a cooking demo by student-chefs from Señor Tesoro College School of Culinary Arts. Local MSMEs like Freshious, Inc./Pan de Mya Bakery/AmBagelCo, UPLokal, and Cacao Growers were present to showcase local products, alongside Lingayen cuisine in a taway-taway booth set up by the Lingayen Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office. The guests were entertained by performances by Aniwëng na Cuerdas Rondalla and KORO Universidad de Dagupan as well. This was followed by a tour at the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum before the delegates departed for Bayambang for another tour at the St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park.

/MCDG-U

Photos: RSR & KFC

 

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Pangasinan Commemorates 79th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary & 17th Pangasinan Veterans Day

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan commemorated the 79th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary and 17th Pangasinan Veterans Day at the Veterans Memorial Park in Lingaye, Pangasinan last January 9, 2024.

The program formally started with a thanksgiving mass presided over by Archbishop Fidelis Layog, followed by the wreath laying ceremony with WWII veteran Mr. Hospicio Mallari, Commander Emma McDonald-Kerr (Defense Attaché of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines representing Her Excellency Ms. Hae Kyong Y), Captain Noel Corpus (Naval Attaché of the Embassy of the United States of America representing Her Excellency Ms. MaryKay L. Carlson), Major  PCOL Jeff Fanged (Provincial Director of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office), MGEN Romeo Alamillo, Governor Ramon V. Guico III, and USEC Reynaldo Mapagu (Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office representing Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.).

“Patriotism is the driver and the life blood of any nation. Our veterans is the most important example of patriotism. As we hear their stories, their sacrifices, going to war, they have volunteered themselves. They have experienced so many experiences that nobody, none of us, have ever experienced. Again, my sincerest thanks and most honorable salute to the most honorable veterans of the province of Pangasinan. Sa inyo po at sa inyo pong pamilya, maraming maraming salamat sa inyong sakripisyo (To you and to your families, thank you so much for your sacrifice). We will not be enjoying the freedom that we have today if it were not for the sacrifices and patriotism of our dear veterans,” Governor Guico expressed in his speech as he faced the 37 Pangasinan veterans who were present at the event.

Governor Guico also shared the provincial government’s plan to construct a reflective pool leading to the beachfront and the establishment of a Veterans Plaza in the area, in time for the 80th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary and 18th Pangasinan Veterans Day in 2025. Governor Guico likewise emphasized the importance of documenting the lives and stories of the remaining Pangasinan veterans during World War II, stating that by doing so, the province will be assisting in the preservation of one of Pangasinan’s most remarkable contributions in the history of the Philippines. In this way, current and future generations of Pangasinan will embrace, manifest, and champion the patriotism that the province’s veterans have demonstrated throughout their lives.

“As we express our profound gratitude for the service and sacrifice rendered by the veterans of World War II to whom we owe a perpetual debt of gratitude, may their stories of heroic deeds and selfless sacrifices persevere to inspire us citizens and most especially the youth, to become the partner heroes of their generation,” USEC Mapagu said as he conveyed Secretary Teodoro’s message to the audience.

In his speech, USEC Mapagu also shared the inauguration and opening of the Veterans Ward at the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City on January 10, 2024, which is an initiative of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office to as they bring the said office’s medical program closer to veterans, particularly those who live far from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

The commemorative program also included the showing of a short film chronicling stories from some of the WWII veterans of Pangasinan entitled, “Pamana: Passing the Torch of Bravery and Patriotism to the Nation’s Future Defenders.” A performance from renowned talents Ms. Stefanie Quintin-Avila and Mr. Adrik Cristobal  was also staged during the event in an artful presentation of appreciation of the veterans.

/MCDG-U

Photos: RSR & KFC

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PGP, in partnership with CPS, holds 2023 International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Center for Pangasinan Studies (CPS), held the 2023 International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies (ICPBS) with the theme, “Expanding the Frontiers of Knowledge on Pangasinan” last November 27 to 29, 2023 at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan and at the Ramon J. Guico, Sr. Sports and Civic Center, Binalonan, Pangasinan.

With 145 accepted abstract submissions and over 500 participants from different higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pangasinan and alongside various organizations and agencies all over the country, the event focused on five (5) plenary presentations: Internationalization on Higher Education, Contextualizing Pangasinan Studies, Health Service Delivery at the Time of the Pandemic and Post-COVID Reflections, Carlos Bulosan, and Lessons from Carlos Bulosan: Anti-Asian Racism is a Global Relation. The conference also featured a total of 32 panel sessions, each focusing on various topics and themes such as Environment, Healthcare, Artisanal Industries, Education-Teaching and Learning, Economics, Local History and Heritage, Pandemic and the “New Normal,” Human-Environment Interactions, Technology, Local Products, Readings and Teachings of Carlos Bulosan, among others.

The conference aimed to cultivate dialogue and linkage in promoting interest and heightened awareness about the province of Pangasinan and its people; convene stakeholders, advocates, practitioners, scholars, and researchers engaged in the multi- and interdisciplinary study of development, arts and culture, literature and language, history, education, tourism, trade, governance, health, and business economics of Pangasinan from its past and in contemporary perspectives; strengthen practitioners, stakeholders, and scholars’ collaboration with partner institutions in the region, and enhance academic exchanges with other international academic, development, and non-governmental institutions and to bring these closer to the Pangasinan locale and the global community in general. Further, it was also held in commemoration of the 110th birth anniversary of Carlos Bulosan, a son of Binalonan, Pangasinan. The conference provided a venue for the dissemination of knowledge on Bulosan’s life and works as a global literary and social movement icon.

Related to this, Executive Order No. 0137 was issued, “Creating the Executive Committee and Technical Working Group for the 2023 International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies.”

Atty. Ronn Dale Castillo, Executive Assistant welcomed the participants while Dr. Perla E. Legaspi, CPS Executive Director and Convenor of the ICPBS 2023, presented the conference overview.

“… There are three gifts that young people can find when reading any work from Bulosan: one is the gift of literacy; two is the gift of historical memory; and three is the gift of rootedness, and these three gifts are intertwined and interconnected in the work of Carlos Bulosan…” Dr. Jeffrey Cabusao said while delivering his keynote speech.

The conference’s 5 plenary presentations were discussed as follows: Internationalization on Higher Education by CHED Regional Director Dr. Christine N. Ferrer; Contextualizing Pangasinan Studies by Dr. Ma. Crisanta Nelmida-Flores; Health Service Delivery at the Time of the Pandemic and Post-COVID Reflections by Dr. Francisco T. Duque III; Carlos Bulosan and Binalonan by Veronica Sison; and Lessons from Carlos Bulosan: Anti-Asian Racism is a Global Relation by Dr. Michael Joseph Viola.

“There are two reasons why we are here in Binalonan now. I’d like to believe not only because this is the birthplace of the great Carlos Bulosan but I also believe it’s more because it’s in this place where the promise of a better future of the entire Pangasinan, in fact of the entire province, of the entire country can be seen,” Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, co-convenor, stated in his closing remarks.

/JBT

Photos: RSR & KFC

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Pangasinan Joins 2nd North Luzon Travel Expo

BAGUIO CITY, Benguet—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, represented by its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), joined the 2nd North Luzon Travel Expo (NLTE) held at CAP Convention Center, Camp John Hay, Baguio City last November 25-27, 2023.

The NLTE is an activity led by the Department of Tourism Regional Offices 1, 2, 3, and CAR in collaboration with the Association of Travel and Tours Management in the Cordilleras (ATTIC), Inc. Through business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) sessions, the expo became a venue for tourism players from all over North Luzon to showcase their respective tourism products and services, ultimately intensifying and increasing each province’s marketing and promotions campaigns.

The PTCAO was joined by its MSMEs partners from PhilExport as they showcased the best of Pangasinan’s products such as healthy chips and treats, favorite bottled and packed delicacies, handwoven crafts and accessories, and many more.

/CCB

Photos: RSR

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PTCAO Supports and Assists DOT Farm Tourism Product Audit in Pangasinan

PANGASINAN—The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) extended support and assistance to the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the conduct of a Farm Tourism Product Audit in selected farm sites in Pangasinan last October 17-20, 2023. 

DOT undertook a thorough audit of Pangasinan’s agriculture tourism destinations that have received DOT accreditation. This program was a part of ongoing efforts to make sure accredited agricultural tourism facilities fulfilled and upheld the high criteria established by the department.

The conduct of the audit aims to assess the location, services, activities, and establishments of the identified farm tourism camps; consult stakeholders in developing farm tourism in their respective areas, and discuss issues and concerns and identify peripheral activities for inclusion in tourism circuits within Pangasinan and in the region. 

The activity was led by the Department of Tourism Central Team composed of Ms. Ayra N. Ngitit, Tourism Operations Officer II; Ms. Dawn Sheila S. Monter; and Mr. Samuel Luis Dacuma, Tourism Operations Officer II of the Regional Monitoring Services.

DOT Region I was represented by Mr. Reynaldo Gesmundo (Regional Farm Tourism Focal Person), whereas the PTCAO Team was represented by Mr. Edward N. Muego (Regional Farm Tourism Focal Person) and Ms. Edrea-Ann Fernandez; the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pangasinan was represented by Mr. Juanito Reyes, Jr. and Mr. Jo Agonoy; the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO I) was represented by Mr. Virgilio Macaraeg, Mr. Juanito Malazo Jr. APCO, and Mr. Marvin G. Quilates. Representatives from Local Government Units (LGUs) served as subject matter experts during the farm tourism product audit with farm tourism operators and stakeholders and provided technical assistance during the assessment of farm tourism sites.

The selected farm tourism camps were: RISATI/Reotutar’s Farm Resort, Villasis; Greentop Organix Farm Agribusiness Skills Training and Assessment Center, San Fabian; Roheim Farm and Wellness Resort, San Fabian; R.Rebs Integrated Eco-Farm, Natividad; Maria’s Luntiang Bukid Agricultural Learning Center, Natividad; Our Farm Republic Integrated Organic Farms, Mangatarem; and Teraoka Integrated Farm, Mangatarem.

The insights gained from this audit will serve as a foundation for further improvements, ensuring that farm tourism sites continue to offer exceptional experiences to tourists in Pangasinan.

/EAF

Photos: TPPDD

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DOT Region 1 and TPB Launch Philippine Motorcycle Tourism: Pangasinan Adventure Ride

PANGASINAN—The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 1, in collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and with the assistance of the Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), officially launched the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) Pangasinan Adventure Ride last October 24, 2023. The project aims to present the province of Pangasinan as a premier motorcycle tourism destination, highlighting its iconic and picturesque tourist attractions and other tourism offerings particularly in the towns of Bayambang, Calasiao, Lingayen, and the city of Alaminos for its launching.

The DOT Region 1, headed by Regional Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega, has focused promotions on the region’s provinces by way of ‘appreciating the journey’ or simply enjoying the process of travelling. Last 2021, the regional office launched its Bike Tourism project which focused on cyclists and promoting destinations with safe and scenic bike trails around the region, which also promotes a healthy lifestyle and a fun way to engage in the sport of cycling. Through Motorcycle Tourism and Bike Tourism, tourists get a first-hand ‘feel’ of the destinations they are travelling to or visiting, which adds to their overall experience.

More than 400 riders participated during the PMT launching, with celebrity riders Jet Lee, Yanna, Laraaa, Rides with Danyela, RoxanneVentures, Zara Moto, MotoKonek, IndayRider, All About Wheels Manila, Jan Sy Photo+Blogs, Boss G, and more, as well as local riders and motorcycle enthusiasts. Their route allowed them to see the 50.23 meter bamboo statue of St. Vincent Ferrer at the famous prayer park; the Municipal Plaza of Calasiao where they were able to taste the town’s famous puto Calasiao from the Calasiao Puto Producers and Vendors Association; a drive by the See Pangasinan marker, Limahong Tourism Center along the baywalk, and the architectural heritage treasure that is the Capitol Building in Lingayen; and the Bued Mangrove Park and the Alaminos City Gymnasium where the culmination program took place. Regional Director Ortega arrived at the program to personally thank the participants and personnel who worked on the project. He also met with Alaminos City Hon. Mayor Arth Bryan C. Celeste and Hon. Vice Mayor Jan Marionne “Ion” R. Fontelera at the scene.

While there are indeed many motorcycle vloggers and enthusiasts who enjoy promoting destinations during their travels, the PMT likewise became an avenue where participating riders witnessed and showcased the safety and convenience of travelling around Pangasinan with its secure and paved roads.

/MCDG-U

Photos: RSR & KFC

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PTCAO Conducts Training for Tourism Frontliners in Urdaneta City

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan—The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), in partnership with the City Government of Urdaneta through its Urdaneta City Tourism Office, conducted the Magnayon: Pangasinan Tourism Frontliner Training in culmination of the 2023 Pangasinan Tourism Month celebration this September at the CB Mall last September 29, 2023.

The conduct of the activity was particularly aligned with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Green Investments” which underscores the significance of not only allocating resources toward sustainable and environmental-friendly tourism practices, but to also invest in tourism stakeholders who would uphold responsible, efficient, and effective tourism operations in the industry through thorough and proper preparation and training.

PTCAO Chief Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan was joined by Urdaneta City Municipal Administrator Engr. Randy Parayno, Councilor and Committee Chairman on Tourism Aurelio Agsalud Sr., Economic Affairs Consultant Gary Beltran IV, and Urdaneta City Tourism Officer Evelyn Delos Trino.

More than fifty (50) owners and personnel of local accommodation establishments (hotels, resorts, mabuhay accommodations), local tour operators and travel agencies, and tour guides supported and participated in the activity which focused on establishing the importance of tourism frontliners through proper training particularly with regard to client management, generating customer satisfaction, and proper handling of data or census and its appropriate analysis and organization.

PTCAO Chief Elduayan, along with PTCAO staff Ms. Monika Labaupa and Ms. Genesis Solis, discussed training topics such as a comprehensive orientation of the Pangasinan tourism industry, roles of tourism frontliners, tourist reception, basic guiding, and basic statistics to encourage and equip tourism stakeholders, as well as raise awareness regarding the national tourism standards set by the Department of Tourism.

/MCDG-U

Photos: RSR